The Indy 500 — one of the largest and most prestigious auto races in the world.  Where does it start for those who compete in this death-defying event?

For Trinity junior Jacob Abel, whose goal is to one day line up in the Indianapolis 500, racing go-karts when he was younger gave him his first taste of competitive racing. Abel is currently a Formula 4 racer.

Abel has a real passion for the sport. Talking while doing an assignment for Mr. Jimmy Serochi’s Working with Clay class, Abel said, “I’ve always loved the sport of racing, ever since I was able to drive a go-kart.”

Eventually, Abel wants to move from Formula 4 cars — a step up from go-karts —  to Formula 1 cars.   

Abel’s driving coach, Mr. Scott Harrington, said, “It’s a very expensive sport, but the thrill and adrenaline rush is like no other.”

Abel loves to travel, and racing has taken him to places he had hoped to visit, among them Canada and Las Vegas.

No sport is perfect, and for Abel the worst thing about racing is the politics and all the drama that goes with it. He said, “You can pay your way to the front of the (competition) line, so that’s not cool.”

Becoming a competitive driver requires a great deal of training that most people don’t really know about. That might mean hitting the gym or practicing on a driving simulator.

In addition to talent, Abel has support from his family.

Bill Abel, Jacob’s father, said, “When I was a kid, I was always looking for a way to race. Growing up, that’s just how I was. So, you could definitely say I influenced Jacob to become a racer.”

Harrington sees tremendous potential in Abel and big possibilities.

Harrington said, “Jacob has a ton of potential in this sport. If he keeps at it with the right mindset, he has the chance to do something very special. But it, by all means, won’t be easy. There are very few people that make it in this sport. You have to be really good to even be considered to race in the big leagues. But with the right preparation and the continued dedication, he can do it.”

Trinity junior Jacob Abel talks about his Formula 4 racing experience……..video by LC Newton